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Remodeling Your Bathroom? Planning to Sell - Ever? Go for it!

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties DC AB15253

Are you are thinking of selling your home in the next few years? Make those upgrades now that you know you are going to need to make later so that you can enjoy them while you are still in your home. Remodeling your home can make it more convenient and comfortable for your family and may also increase the value of your house.  An example of a dual purpose remodel that can be a good investment and make your days a little better is a bathroom remodel, provided you make some smart decisions.

If looking at your bathroom makes you cringe, you should definitely update it. Take a look at magazines, think about what you like about your family members’ and friends’ bathrooms, and talk to some contractors about the pros and cons of various options.  Even if you can't afford a huge remodeling project all at one time, then break it in to smaller bites - a new toilet this month, a new vanity and faucets next month, etc.  

When it comes to the bathroom, comfort and convenience are homeowners’ top priorities. If you want to remodel your bathroom, look for changes you can make that will benefit both you and those imagined future owners.

Upgrades to Consider

TUB If the tub is worn out, replacing it can give the bathroom a fresh new look. A sparkling tub is much more appealing and initing than one that’s decades old. If your bathroom doesn’t currently have a tub, I don't think it is necessary to install one - as long as there is another bathtub somewhere in the house.  If your future buyers have a small child or expect to have one, a bathtub may be on their must have list.  

NEW TILE  Tile is a more expensive upgrade than just popping in a new vanity (see below!) but it can make a huge impact in new bathroom. Take the time to look at pictures in design magazines.  There are lots of choices in all shapes, sizes and colors.  New tile is a commitment for a long time.  This is probably not the place to let your imagination run wild if you are planning on selling soon.  Those unicorn tiles or dolphins spouting flowers look great in the show room, but are you going to like them for the next twenty years? 

VANITIES In a bathroom, space is at a premium, especially when several family members share the space. That means that keeping things organized is important. The bathroom should have plenty of drawers and cabinets for people to store toiletries, makeup and grooming tools. If the bathroom doesn’t have a vanity with storage space, installing one could make it easier for your family to stay organized, while at the same time making your bathroom more appealing to future buyers.

Hire a Professional

When it comes to remodeling any room in your home, the quality of the work is key. A poorly done remodeling job will not increase the value of your home—it might even lower it. Unless you have professional bathroom remodeling experience, you would be better off hiring a licensed and experienced contractor. Doing so could help you avoid mistakes that could detract from the appearance and functionality of the bathroom, and possibly lower your home’s value.

Weigh Your Options


Remodeling your bathroom can make life more comfortable for your family. If the project is done right, it could also help you get more money when you eventually sell your house. Think about what’s important to you and what might be important to the people who will own the house after you. Talk to people you know to get a range of opinions and suggestions, and then work with a contractor to choose the best options and get the results you want.

If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom and you want more insights, feel free to give me a call at 240-401-5577.  I love helping people make good decisions about what finishes to choose and which upgrades give you more bang for the buck! 

Comments (11)

Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Lise, great tips for homeowners thinking of remodeling.  Enjoy those remodels for a while BEFORE you sell.

Nov 27, 2018 07:15 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

We did this a year before we sold and we got to enjoy the end result while  it did enhance the sale of our house Lise Howe 

Nov 27, 2018 07:19 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Lise Howe,  Bathrooms are in this year on the top of the list to remodel before kitchens.

 

Nov 27, 2018 07:56 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Lise Howe,

 These are wise words. Not sure if or when we are going to sell but  I have my project all scoped out. I am going to start with the guest bath. Contractors were just too busy to fit me in this year.  

Nov 27, 2018 08:49 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

I love to update the bathroom, even if it is just for myself and not for anyone or any reason other than it makes me happy. 

Nov 27, 2018 10:49 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Nice bathroom updating tips Lise. These are great projects to DIY. Home Depot & Lowes are always doing classes on these & other remodeling projects so you can keep costs' down.

Nov 27, 2018 11:06 AM
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

Love this advice, Lise - so many buyers I've known want up to date bathrooms, or a big discount on a home!  Better to do the updates in advance, enjoy them, and get top dollar : )

Nov 27, 2018 11:15 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good afternoon Lise - it certainly makes sense when to remodel when you can enjoy it.

Nov 27, 2018 01:52 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Lise- this is such good information!! Even if you don't think you're going to sell for several years, why not do your upgrades or updates and enjoy your investment while you're living in it!!!

Nov 27, 2018 03:54 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

A nice bath is important to most homeowners. Improving it could make the owner happy for a long time.

Nov 27, 2018 07:08 PM
Parminder Singh
First Class Homes Inc. - Levittown, NY
LI REALTOR (Licensed Real Estate Agent)

Lisa these are awesome details. In my honest opinion, most buyers may get turned OFF by a poor condition bathroom vs a kitchen. :-D

Dec 27, 2018 04:22 AM